Who Is Allan Macpherson?

Macpherson House was built on the banks of the Napanee River in c. 1826, when it was the first private home to the north of the river. It was the residence of Allan Macpherson, one of the most entrepreneurial and civic-minded citizens of early Napanee, with a finger in just about every pie. He operated grist and saw mills, a distillery and general store, besides being post master, magistrate, Major of the Lennox Militia, land agent, pioneer of the printing press, builder of schools and establisher of the Agricultural Society. That is still not to mention his involvement in building the toll road and rail line and the helping several denominations secure land to build churches. Napanee has inherited a treasure and, thanks to the generosity and hard work of its local supporters, both the house and park have been preserved to become a living legacy of pioneer life.

Once run down and unrecognizable, the house has been rescued and lovingly restored to look as it did in the 1830’s with furniture and housekeeping just the way they were then. Today, the house is owned and administered by the Lennox and Addington Historical Society as a registered charity, with community museum status since 1967.

What Happens At Macpherson House?

Macpherson House receives some financial assistance from the Province of Ontario and the Town of Greater Napanee. However, to a greater extent, Macpherson House supports itself with income from private donations, museum visitors, educational programmes for adults and children through workshops, school programmes and special school-holiday programmes like Christmas at the Lairds (a popular celebration since 1969) and Secret of Willow Castle Theatre Camps each summer. Programmes, planned around school curricular requirements and co-ordinated with County Museum visits, are very popular with participants and teachers alike.

There are delights for adults too: old fashioned Cream Teas, a Strawberry Social, Wine and Whisky Samplings, a Harvest Supper, and Candlelight Tours. Each spring the heritage plants in the riverbank gardens are split, providing tables of interesting offerings at the spring Plant Sale. There’s always something new in the calendar, such as the Musical Evenings with dessert and coffee, which are proving a sell-out success.

Funding Today

Macpherson House has weathered the storm but only just. The fundraising and event successes are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers.

With this in mind a fund-raising campaign has been launched, seeking support in the form of donations, sponsorship of events, participation in fund-raising events and, that most valuable gift of all, volunteer time. Scones need baking, jam needs making, the garden needs tending, the house needs a coat of paint - all kinds of skills can be helpful and the rewards can go far beyond a tax receipt for donations. You can become part of something very special and very important.

Napanee A Leader In Historic Preservation

“This is a place where history meets you around every corner,” was one of the charms of Napanee reflected by last year’s National News Road Show from the County Hall. Anyone moving here or even just visiting, will agree there’s something special about this little town and that privilege brings with it the duty to care for our heritage and make sure that it is passed safely along for future generations.

It’s Up To Us

Macpherson House needs Napanee just as Napanee needs Macpherson House to carry on a great historical tradition. You need to look back to travel forward. Today, it is a heritage icon to town’s people and tourist alike. Macpherson House is situated on the cusp of the old town, nestled in a beckoning park. The image of Macpherson House is seen on several street corners and used in several tourist based books, magazines, and brochures drawing people to explore downtown Napanee. Macpherson House represents the best of pioneer living.

Plan your visit today or call the House to find out what is coming up next in their Calendar of Events.